Today, we headed into wine country, La Rioja. Home of tempranillo in Spain.
First stop was the wine town of Haro. We had visited Haro in 2018 and enjoyed our visits to Bodegas Muga and Roda. Our first stop was again at Muga to try a few of their fantastic wines – we had been drinking Muga at Begur and were keen to try some different varieties.
Next stop was Bodegas Alta for a Gran Reserva, and then Roda to try their latest vintages.
After a pleasant stop in Haro, we drove to the outskirts of Logroño to Bodegas Campo Viejo, a large winery producing 30 million bottles per year and owned by the Australian based Accolade Wines. Campo Viejo has long been a favourite with Dan’s having a number of their affordable tempranillos. At the winery, they offer tastings of their more special vintages in whites, rose and fantastic reds. Plus a tasty lunch. Very enjoyable stop.
We then found our way to the very comfortable apartment in Logroño and spent the rest of the day wandering around the old town and a quick snack for dinner.
Today, we visited the Museo de la Rioja. It has a very interesting collection of artifacts from 2,000 to 3,000 BC and a collection covering the history of the area to more recent times.
A short walk through town and over the Ebro took us to Bodegas Franco Españolas. This is a large winery with a very welcoming wine bar and store. We tried the wine flights and a lunch of paté and charcuterie. Very enjoyable hour or two.
For a change, dinner was Japanese at Sibuya. Tomorrow, we travel to Salamanca!
